landonstudios · carolyne d. landon

    The process of painting a commissioned portrait begins with meeting the person I am to paint. During our visit I learn as much about their life that they are willing to share. I then photograph them and develop ideas for the composition of the portrait. After I decide on a composition and the general colors I will use, I draw a "cartoon" of the painting to present to my client for their approval. Once the client approves the cartoon, I finish the portrait. This process takes up to three months.

    The mediums I use are oils on linen or a mixed media of tinted gesso, charcoal and pastel on Archers  watercolor paper. I generally paint on a square format ranging in size from 24" x 24" to 48" x 48". I choose to paint on a square because it is a geometric form distinct to humans – the perfect square is found in nature only in the human mind.